Watch: Redcar's Kirkleatham Owl Centre urges public not to get in a flap over 'abandoned' birds

Expert staff advise people that many 'orphaned' baby birds taken to them by the public are not in need of rescue at all

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Orphan birds at the Kirkleatham Owl Centre

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A wildlife centre is urging the public not to get in a flap about seemingly abandoned baby birds.

Redcar's Kirkleatham Owl Centre says that over the past few weeks, concerned members of the public have brought in lots of young birds who, apparently, have prematurely flown the nest and are struggling to survive.

Tawny owls, blackbirds, crows, starlings, blue tits, ducks and even woodpeckers - they have all been cared for at the “inundated” centre and the vast majority have been babies.

But the centre’s expert staff are advising people that many of these “orphans” are not in need of rescue at all.

Centre manager Craig Wesson said: “Wildlife rehabilitation makes up a large part of our work here at Kirkleatham and this spring has been one of our busiest ever for wildlife causalities, with the majority being baby birds.

“But if a baby bird is on the ground and does not appear to be injured, our advice is to leave well alone - mam and dad will still feed and care for it until it can fly.”

Craig said that when young birds fledge (first leave the nest), many spend time on the ground until they become stronger and more competent flyers.

He added: “Tawny owls especially leave the nest before they can fly and often end up on the ground looking very vulnerable, but their parents will feed them each night and after a few days, they start clambering back up into the trees.”

Many of the young birds brought into the centre have already returned to the wild, Craig added.

Blackbirds and blue tits are looking after themselves within a couple of weeks of fledging and so are ready for release then, but for the young tawny owls - of which the centre currently has six - it will take a few months longer.

Meanwhile, the centre has advice about baby birds and wildlife causalities on its website and Facebook pages. It is also happy for people to give a call for advice.

Visit http://ift.tt/12BNkiE , facebook/kirkleathamowls or call 01642 480512.